One of the most important cases in the fight for environmental protection and public health in Bulgaria – the case of Varbovka – was presented at the annual civic forum “Conference on Democracy”. Dimitar Pavlov, lawyer, artist and activist from “You decide” – Pavlikeni, shared details about the events surrounding the attempt to build a waste incineration plant in the village of Vrbovka. Varbovka.

At the beginning of 2022, the public in Pavlikeni was informed about an investment plan that envisaged the construction of a stone wool plant. However, behind the facade of this project was a waste incineration plant with a huge capacity. The investor, Rumen Gaitanski, stated that the production of stone wool required a significant amount of energy, which could be provided by burning modified fuels (MFF).

The local authority initially supported the project, and a public consultation was held arguing that the plant was “completely clean and harmless”. Despite the assurances, citizens found out that the project envisages the incineration of 56 tonnes of waste per hour, equivalent to 67 trucks of fuel per day entering and leaving the municipality of Pavlikeni. In addition, there was no clear information on the waste products and their environmental impact.

Initially, a small group of people voiced their concerns, but over time the resistance gained momentum. Residents of the region began gathering information and bringing in experts who proved that the production was unsafe and would endanger the area for tens of kilometres.

In response to public discontent, the local government called the protesters “rioters,” and national publicity on the case was minimal. However, in early 2022, an expert council was convened at the RIEW Veliko Tarnovo, which approved the project on the grounds that it posed no threat to people or the environment.

The case of Varbovka is an illustrative example of the importance of an active civil position. Despite the initial neglect of the institutions and attempts to silence the protests, the residents of Pavlikeni and the neighbouring municipalities proved that through awareness, mobilisation and pressure on the authorities, they can defend their right to a clean environment.

You Decide continues its work by encouraging citizens in other regions to defend their interests and be active participants in the management of their environment.

For more information and the full context of the case, you can watch the full video of the conference.